“I’m trying to get tickets, and I just can’t – they’re so expensive, but I will work on it to try to be here for that game,” said Chuy, who attended his first World Cup match on June 25.

Like many of the fans in attendance at the first five World Cup matches at Santa Clara’s Levi’s Stadium, Chuy understood that while attending the World Cup is a special experience, seeing your home country play in one is an incredible privilege.

It’s one some lucky Santa Clarans and other Bay Area residents will get to experience firsthand on July 1, when the U.S. Men’s National Team plays at Levi’s Stadium for the knockout round.

“I think they have a very good shot at advancing and going further and getting the experience that they need, because all the teams at the higher level, they’re very, very good. But they have a chance to go deep, so we’ll see what happens,” said Joseph from Fremont, who was cautiously optimistic when he attended the Türkiye vs. Paraguay game on July 19.

Each of the five World Cup matches at Santa Clara’s stadium has been filled with fans supporting the clubs playing in the matches, as well as other international teams, most notably the U.S. National Team.

After the U.S. beat Australia on July 19 and guaranteed its spot in the knockout rounds, the “U.S.A.” chants filtered through the fans.  

Angel, Hector and Anna attended the June 22 match between Jordan and Algeria dressed in their U.S. finest.

For Hector, even if he can’t get tickets to the knockout game, just being in attendance at one World Cup match was worth it.

“The World Cup is just an experience, a lifetime experience, you know what I’m saying? You don’t get to say I went to a World Cup. It’s every four years, we’re lucky that we have it here close to home, so it’s a privilege to be here,” said Hector.

The U.S. National Team faces Bosnia and Herzegovina at 5 p.m. PT at Levi’s Stadium on July 1.

Silicon Valley Voice’s World Cup Coverage:
From Football Gridiron to Soccer Pitch: Santa Clara’s World Cup Stadium Transformation
Photo Gallery: Australia, Paraguay Fans Show up for Final Group Match at Levi’s Stadium
Security at Levi’s Ramps up for World Cup
Photo Gallery: Jordan Algeria Match Creates a Lifetime of Memories
Bay Area Welcomes Jordan Fans as Team Makes First World Cup Appearance
Photo Gallery: World Cup Sell Out in Santa Clara Thrills Paraguay, Türkiye Fans
Paraguay Upsets Türkiye and Sends Fans Home Happy
Photo Gallery: Jordan, Austria Meet in FIFA World Cup
Fans Bring the Energy as FIFA World Cup Action Arrives at Levi’s Stadium